The Governance Professional 20 Years On - www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference - Victoria, BC August 19-22, 2018
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The Governance Professional… 20 Years On
Victoria, BC • August 19-22, 2018
20th Annual Corporate Governance Conference
Fairmont Empress Hotel | Victoria, BC
To register today or for more information, visit
www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference
Conference
at a Glance
Pre-Conference:
Sunday, August 19
• Optional local tours
• First-timers’ Welcome Reception
• Welcome Reception
• Optional Dine Around Victoria
The Governance Professional... 20 Years On
Day One: Monday, August 20
This year marks the Governance Professionals of Canada’s 20th annual conference and as
• Annual General Meeting
we reflect back on the past 20 years and the changing corporate governance landscape,
• Opening Keynote
it has rarely been as complex and fraught with risk and uncertainty as it is today.
• Plenary Sessions
• Roundtable Discussions
The role of governance professionals has become pivotal to organizations across
• Closing Plenary
sectors in Canada. Issues arise which require organizations to lean increasingly on the
• Free evening for delegates
governance professional for guidance. The annual Governance Professionals of Canada
Day Two: Tuesday, August 21 (GPC) conference is the leading resource for governance professionals to stay current and
informed, and to gain the knowledge and tools they need to support their boards and
• Opening Keynote organizations.
• Concurrent Sessions:
• Track A: The Board and This year, our content is themed around the evolution of the role of the governance
the Governance Professional professional, as well as issues relating to: The Board and the Corporate Secretary,
• Track B: Critical Issues in Critical Issues in Governance and Key Trends in Governance. We are pleased
Governance to offer a hard-hitting program, the industry’s top product & service providers in our
• Track C: Key Trends in exhibitor hall, and social events to maximize networking AND fun.
Governance
• Workshops: Choice of 5 Plenary and keynote topics on the program include:
• Reception, Dinner &
Entertainment • Diversity in Canada’s Organizations – How the Governance Professional Can
Impact the Change and Conversation
Day Three: Wednesday, August 22 • Board Panel Discussion - The Governance Professional 20-years on - A board’s
• Plenary Sessions perspective
• Concurrent sessions: Choice of 3 • The Chief Governance Officer - Elevating the Influence of the Governance
Professional
• How do Boards and Management Think About Creating a Cyber Resilient
CPD hours and Organization?
• Climate Change – The Next Frontier for Corporate Governance
CLE credits • Key Trends and Updates in Corporate Governance Best Practices
The 2018 annual conference program
is eligible for CLE credits and CPD Come experience beautiful sights, sounds, flavours and welcoming culture of beautiful
hours. We are currently in the Victoria. I look forward to hosting you there!
application process and will provide
the complete credit details as they
become available.
Sessions at the conference may also
be eligible for ICSA, CPA, paralegal or
other credits. Please check with your Lynn Beauregard
individual jurisdiction. President, GPC
Brochure printing courtesy of:
Attendees registered for CPD or CLE
hours for the conference will receive a
certificate of attendance following the
conference. Certificates of attendance
may also be requested via email after
the event.
2 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference
Keynote & Plenary Speakers
Tanya van Biesen Richard Wilson, CISSP Sarah Keyes
Executive Director Partner, Cybersecurity & Sustainability Principal
Catalyst Canada Privacy, PWC Canada CPA Canada
Plenary Sessions
Board Panel Discussion – The Governance Professional
20-years on – A board’s perspective Monday, August 20 • 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
The role of the governance professional has seen a significant evolution in the past 20 years. These last two decades have brought
radical changes in the governance ecosystem, including legal, ethical, regulatory, structural and stakeholder-led influences, affecting
governance processes and practices across all sectors. This has had a linear impact on the corporate secretary and governance
professional. What was once perhaps more of a transactional role, has evolved to a much more strategic role today.
Rahul Bhardwaj Margie Parikh Fiona Macdonald Dave Mowat
CEO Principal GMP Capital, BC Ferry Authority, Past CEO, ATB Financial
Institute of Corporate On Governance Royal Canadian Mint,and Chair Board Director, TELUS
Directors Past Chair, MEC of the BC Chapter of the ICD
Sponsored by:
3 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference
The Chief Governance Officer – Elevating
the Influence of the Governance Professional
Monday, August 20 • 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Moderator: Liz Watson
President and CEO, Watson Inc.
Panelists:
Karen Hoffmann Heather Laxton Shona McGlashan Bill Wright
Chief Governance Officer Chief Governance Officer Chief Governance Vice President Risk, General
& Corporate Secretary and Corporate Secretary Officer, Mountain Counsel and Governance
Vancity Wesdome Gold Mines Equipment Co-op (MEC) Officer, Edmonton Regional
Airports Authority
Sponsored by:
Pre-Conference
Sunday, August 19
12:00 pm
Registration Opens
5:30 pm
First-timers’ Welcome Reception
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Welcome Reception
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Dine Around Victoria
A great opportunity to connect with your fellow
attendees and to discover some of the great dining Photo © Tourism Victoria
available in Victoria.
4 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference
Conference Program Speakers: Margie Parikh, Principal, On Governance,
Past Chair, MEC; Fiona MacDonald, Board Member for
GMP Capital, BC Ferry Authority, Royal Canadian Mint,
and Chair of the BC Chapter of the ICD; Dave Mowat,
Monday, August 20 past CEO, ATB Financial and Board Director, TELUS
7:30 am – 8:15 am
Sponsored by:
Breakfast in the Exhibitor Hall
8:15 am – 8:45 am 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
GPC Annual General Meeting Networking Lunch in the Exhibitor Hall
The GPC conference brings together a unique gathering
8:45 am – 9:00 am of key suppliers of critical products and strategic solutions
Opening Remarks to help the governance office achieve its objectives. There
is no other marketplace like it in Canada! Exhibitor hall
breaks are built in to the program to maximize your time
9:00 am – 10:00 am with these vendors and to have a chance to fully explore
Opening Keynote: Diversity in their solutions.
Canada’s organizations – How the
Governance Professional can impact 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm - Roundtable Discussions
the change and the conversation
A. ESG and the Board
Speaker: Tanya van Biesen, B. Subsidiary Governance
Executive Director, Catalyst Canada C. Not for Profit
D. Crown and Public Sector
Sponsored by: E. The Board’s Role in Strategy and Oversight
F. Proxy System
G. Defining and Monitoring Board Policies
10:00 am – 10:30 am H. Cybersecurity - Reporting to the Board (policies,
Networking Break in the Exhibitor Hall budgets, insurance, role of GP)
10:30 am – 12:00 pm 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm - Roundtable Discussions
Plenary Session: (Select from topics above)
Board Panel Discussion – The Governance
Professional 20-years on – A board’s perspective 3:15 pm – 3:45 pm
The role of the governance professional has seen a
significant evolution in the past 20 years. These last two Networking Break in the Exhibitor Hall
decades have brought radical changes in the governance
ecosystem, including legal, ethical, regulatory, structural and 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
stakeholder-led influences, affecting governance processes Plenary Session:
and practices across all sectors. This has had a linear impact The Chief Governance Officer – Elevating the
on the corporate secretary and governance professional. Influence of the Governance Professional
What was once perhaps more of a transactional role, has
evolved to a much more strategic role today. Moderator: Liz Watson, President and CEO, Watson Inc.
Panelists: Shona McGlashan, Chief Governance Officer,
This session, moderated by Rahul Bhardwaj, CEO of the
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC); Heather Laxton,
Institute of Corporate Directors, will examine this shift
Chief Governance Officer and Corporate Secretary,
and look at how boards and directors view the role and
Wesdome Gold Mines; Bill Wright, Vice President
influence of the GP, and how they impact their boards,
Risk, General Counsel and Governance Officer for the
committees and organizations today. Panelists will explore
Edmonton Regional Airports Authority; Karen Hoffmann,
what directors need from GPs and discuss how GPs can
Chief Governance Officer & Corporate Secretary, Vancity
best partner with and support their boards to help lead
their organizations through current disruptive times.
Sponsored by:
Moderator: Rahul Bhardwaj, CEO, Institute of
Corporate Directors
5:00 pm - Day Ends - Free Evening for Delegates
5 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference
Tuesday, August 21 • Leading practices suggest these positions have a dual
reporting relationship -functionally to the board, and
7:30 am – 8:15 am administratively to a Senior Executive. How can this be
optimized?
Breakfast in the Exhibitor Hall
• 3 Best practices for managing the Corporate Secretary‘s
relationship with the board
8:15 am
• 3 Best practices for managing the Chief Internal
Opening Remarks Auditor’s relationship with the board
• Who Is Protecting Your Board? How Your Corporate
8:30 am – 9:30 am Secretary and Chief Internal Auditor are Your Best
Defense
Opening Plenary: How do boards and
management create a cyber resilient Speakers: Maria Capozzi, Principal, Office of the Auditor
organization? General; Brian G. Brown CIA, CPA, CMA, C.Dir., CFE,
Chief Audit Executive, Executive Division of the Canadian
Cybersecurity is a board issue Grain Commission/ Government of Canada, Julia Eastman,
of key importance and there is a University Governance Researcher / Consultant, Adjunct
clear mandate for all organizations to manage this risk Professor, Gustavson School of Business, University of
effectively. It is a complex topic that challenges the Victoria
governance professional to be well informed. Richard Wilson
will lead a 2-part session to firstly share a unique, leading-
edge cyber governance model that explains what good Track B: Critical Issues in Governance
“defence-in-depth” security governance looks like. Secondly,
Richard will lead everyone through a ‘hands-on’ example of
Session 1B: Managing Leadership Transitions:
how to apply this governance framework within your own Equipping the Board for Change
board. The session will be a great combination of strategic Leadership transition of an organization’s board chair, CEO
thinking and practical application. or other executive is a risky time. How do you transform this
situation from one of risk to one of opportunity?
Speaker: Richard Wilson, CISSP, Partner, Cybersecurity &
Privacy. PWC Canada This session will combine leadership transition fundamentals
with real life stories of Canadian leadership changes from
Sponsored by:
the past few years. Corporate (large and small), public sector
and not-for-profit organizations can all benefit from being
prepared for their next leadership change today.
9:40 am – 10:40 am - Concurrent Sessions The discussion will explore:
• Applying practical tools in the boardroom and in the
Track A: The Board and the Governance Professional C-suite
Session 1A: Who Is Protecting Your Board? How • Equip the board, organization, leaders and team to
Your Corporate Secretary and Chief Internal have an exceptional transition
Auditor are Your Best Defense • Understand leadership transition including the role of
the board
Aside from the CEO, there are 2 other key roles within an • Be able to recognize opportunities to contribute to
organization that work directly with the board and often leadership transition
have a reporting relationship: the Chief Internal Auditor • Increased awareness of risks and mitigating strategies
and the Corporate Secretary. during a transition
Speaker: Jane Halford, Co-Founder, Bolt Transition Inc.
Join our panel for a discussion about how these two roles Dexter John, Executive Vice President at D. F. King Canada
make all the difference in ensuring the effectiveness of
your governance processes and strategic risk management
activities. Track C: Key Trends in Governance
Session 1C: Principles and Elements of Effective
Our panelists will share with us important lessons about:
• How to protect your board when difficult issues
Executive Compensation Design
emerge and more importantly, defend against such With the advent of say-on-pay and intensifying scrutiny
issues arising in the first place from shareholders, government and the public, executive
• What roles do they play in protecting the board compensation has become a lightning rod for criticism and
by ensuring it fulfills its governance functions, and a symbol of how organizations govern themselves and
demonstrates its due diligence? respond to the concerns of various stakeholders.
• If a crisis arises that the board has to handle (especially
if it has to do with the CEO), how do these two This session will focus on:
roles help the board deal with such a critical matter • Best practices for governance professionals to support
effectively? HR Committees
6 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference• Aligning executive compensation design with current status as well as future initiatives. Speakers will also
business strategy and performance delve into barriers which face diverse board candidates and
• Addressing shareholder concerns regarding executive provide tips on how to advise nominating committees and
compensation design board as a whole in their strategies on attracting diverse
• Understanding the key guiding principles for candidates.
executive compensation design
Participants will:
Speaker: Ryan Resch, Managing Director, • Have better knowledge of existing initiatives to
Willis Towers Watson promote and increase diversity on corporate boards
• Understand barriers to entry for diverse board candidates
Sponsored by: • Practical tips on advising boards in their process of
increasing diversity
Moderator: Christopher Chen, National Director, Total
Rewards, Korn Ferry Hay Group
10:40 am – 11:10 am
Speakers: Alena Thouin, Deputy Director, Legal Services,
Networking Break in the Exhibitor Hall Government of Ontario; Jo-Anne Matear, Manager,
Corporate Finance, Ontario Securities Commission;
Elisabeth Cooke, Managing Director, Inclusivity;
11:10 am – 12:10 am - Concurrent Sessions Caroline Codsi, President and Founder, Women in
Governance
Track A: The Board and the Governance Professional
Sponsored by:
Session 2A: Modernizing Your Board and
Governance Framework
Many organizations have not evaluated or refreshed their Track C: Key Trends in Governance
governance framework and practices since incorporation.
In an era of unprecedented change, this session will help Session 2C: Best Practices in Shareholder
governance professionals evaluate and refresh current Engagement
practices and identify ways to modernize the board.
In recent years there has been an increase in shareholder
This session will explore updating long-standing and activism in Canada and proper preventive measures
inherited practices to be current with new and best are critical to mitigate the risks associated with this.
practices in governance, legislation, technology, and Engagement by the board has evolved into regular
record keeping. meetings with shareholders without management present
as an expectation.
Discussion will cover:
• Checklists for governance essentials This session will discuss:
• Process for identifying and evaluating current • How does the board and management navigate this
practices and information new era of shareholder engagement?
• Ways to update long-standing, inherited information • What topics are appropriate for the board to discuss
and records and what should be left to management meetings
• Materials for hand-out and future use with shareholders
• What are the benefits of a shareholder engagement
Speaker: Ivy Lumia, Canadian Centre for Occupational policy?
Health and Safety; Dottie Schindlinger, VP Governance • Hear stories of what worked and what didn’t work
& Technology Evangelist, Diligent from GC’s who have changed their practices
• Hear from an institutional investor about what they
Sponsored by:
expect in terms of enhancement and why
• Consider adopting a policy
• Knowing your shareholders and understanding the
influence of proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis
Track B: Critical Issues in Governance • The growing influence of governance conscious
Session 2B: Diversity on Corporate Boards and institutional shareholders
Organizations: Where Are We Now? Speaker: Wendy King, Legal Risk and Governance,
Capstone Mining
The session will focus on the existing and future initiatives
with respect to increasing board diversity. The speakers
will delve into lessons learned, current state and the trends
Sponsored by:
around future steps. The session will provide data on
7 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConferenceTrack C: Key Trends in Governance
12:10 pm – 1:40 pm
Session 3C: The Corporate Governance Regulatory
Luncheon
Landscape: A Discussion on New and Developing
1:45 pm – 2:45 pm - Concurrent Sessions Regulations Affecting You and Your Organization
This session will review the current regulatory landscape
Track A: The Board and the Governance Professional and discuss the latest changes, trends and need-to-know
Session 3A: What Role Should the Board Play in developments to be on the lookout for, which may impact
Organizational Culture? your disclosure, governance processes, or policies in your
organization.
Board culture either can act like a jet engine, propelling your
Speakers: Lara Donaldson, Director, Regulatory and Industry
board forward, or a drag-parachute, holding it back. This
Affairs, Computershare; Jo-Anne Matear, Manager, Corporate
session is about identifying specific cultural attributes you need
Finance, Ontario Securities Commission, Nazma Lee, Senior
in the boardroom and organizations and how to be intentional
Legal Counsel, Corporate Finance, British Columbia Securities
about making that a reality. The cost of cultural impediments
Commission; Shaifali Joshi-Clark, CPA, CA, CFA | Senior
can be measured financially, and there is a direct connection
Forensic Accountant | Enforcement Branch | Ontario Securities
between positive cultures and superior financial performance:
Commission
If you can measure it you can change it.
Sponsored by:
In this session, we will facilitate a discussion about:
• It starts with the board and board culture
• How to get organizational culture on the board agenda?
• What is the intersection between risk, culture and ethics? 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
• Tools boards can use to identify culture risks Networking Break in the Exhibitor Hall
• Codes of conduct and walking the talk
• Beyond behaviour and ethics…what other factors drive
organizational culture (strategy, leadership, power,
tolerance, diversity, etc) 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm - Concurrent Workshops
• Mechanisms by which the board can determine, monitor Mini Workshop A:
and direct culture Elected and Appointed Boards –
• How the board determines and oversees (and sets the Challenges and Solutions
tone for) the culture of the entire organization
This session will focus on the unique governance issues and
Moderator: Mary C. Larson, ICD.d, CEO, L&C Strategic challenges faced by organizations that are not able to select
Advisory Consultants or hand-pick their board members, and the ways these
organizations work to ensure a high-functioning board.
Speakers: Debra Brown, CEO and Founder, Governance
Solutions Inc.; Christie Stephenson, Executive Director, In co-operatives and credit unions, where directors are
Peter P. Dhillon Centre for Business Ethics, UBC Sauder School democratically elected, as well as in other organizations where
of Business; Geoffrey D Creighton, In-House Counsel governments or others appoint board members, governance
Worldwide, Past-President and Chair, CCCA professionals have to find ways to ensure their board members
are adequately equipped to carry out their roles effectively. This
Sponsored by: session will discuss some of the strategies and processes used
by various companies.
The session will explore:
Track B: Critical Issues in Governance • Leading practices for orientation of a “lay” director
Session 3B: Best Practices in Managing AGMs • Steps you can take to ensure a high functioning board
even where they are not hand-picked
• How to reduce the cost of annual shareholder meetings • What others are doing for ongoing director training needs
• CBA – how to handle and manage shareholder proposals for “lay” directors
on the floor • Steps you can take to improve the candidate pool
• VSM - Virtual Shareholder Meeting • How to educate directors on operations so they can make
good decisions while keeping them at the strategic level
Speakers: Denise Ferreira, Director, Shareholder Services,
Corporate Secretary’s Department, Sun Life Financial; Cathy Speakers: Sheldon Stener, General Counsel and Corporate
Conlon, Head of Corporate Issuer Strategy & Product Secretary, Federated Co-operatives Limited;Carmel Bellamy,
Management, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Corporate Secretary and Senior Director, Member & Co-
operative Relations,Co-operators; Marilyn Loewen Mauritz,
Chief Transformation and Legal Officer, Central 1 Credit
Sponsored by: Union
8 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConferenceMini Workshop B: Mini Workshop D:
Governance Best Practices for Not for Profit Unique Corporate Governance Challenges Faced
Corporations by Public Sector Boards and the Governance
Professionals Who Support Them
An examination of the elements that contribute to
good governance for a not for profit corporation. The This session will start with a brief overview of how
session will outline factors to consider when adopting the governance frameworks under which public
governance best practices and how to customize sector boards are structured differ from those in the
governance practices to suit the organization. private sector (e.g. the impact of constituting statutes,
government directives and policy decisions on board
Topics to be covered will include: authority and agency etc.).
• Overview of the different types of not for profit
corporations and how that impacts governance The session will then highlight key trends in corporate
• Understanding essential elements of governance governance and some of the challenges that public
• Accountability in a not for profit context sector governance professionals face in dealing with
• Board size and composition these challenges (e.g. board succession planning,
• Board role statements director independence, executive compensation,
• Codes of conduct conflict of interest and political activity, impact of
• Committee best practices policy decisions and government direction on strategic
• Tips for effective meetings planning, etc.).
Speaker: Anne Corbett, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP The session will conclude with 2-3 case studies derived
from real life public sector governance failures that
have been reported in the media. Participants will
Sponsored by: be asked to break into small groups and identify
the governance issue and recommend how they, as
governance professionals, would have advised their
boards to achieve a different outcome.
Mini Workshop C: Speakers: Sarah Neville, Director, Legal Branch,
Ontario Financing Authority; Antoinette Bozac, Chief
Corporate Strategy Development and the
Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at York Region
Governance Professional
Rapid Transit Corporation
Join Peter Wright and John Dinner as they debate
the role the Governance Professional could or should
play in the development of corporate strategy. Is the Mini Workshop E:
Governance Professional the point person for strategy Paving the Path to Success: Creating a Customized
development? Or should they remain the passive Governance Framework for New Entities and
Emerging Companies
observer of the process?
This session will provide key insights into the best
As debate moderator, Doug McLean will offer his own governance techniques and practices for those involved
practical insights, as well as help keep the two sides in creating and managing new entities or newly listed
civil and focused as Peter and John bring their personal organizations.
experience, biases and knowledge to bear on this subject.
• Learn how to customize the nuts and bolts of a
In addition to having the chance to vote on which governance framework for your organization
side of the argument will carry the day, you’ll have • Hear case studies from experts working with new and
the opportunity to consider possible options and fast-growing cannabis and FinTech companies
configurations, as well as go away with practical • Discuss governance issues when companies engage in
insights and tools that will help you to solidify your transformative transactions (such as a spin-out, new
role when your organization next considers its future entity or an initial public offering)
direction. • Building a culture of good governance, from the
ground up
Speakers: John Dinner, President, John T. Dinner
Board Governance Services; Peter Wright, President, Speakers: Deborah Rosati, Founder & CEO, Women
The Planning Group; Doug McClean, Executive Director, Get on Board; Kevin West, Founder, Skylaw
FICOM
Sponsored by:
9 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference6:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Closing Dinner
Reception, Dinner and Entertainment
Sponsored by:
Wednesday, August 22 and discuss the implications for corporate governance
professionals.
7:30 am – 8:30 am
Speaker: Sarah Keyes, Sustainability Principal,
Breakfast CPA Canada
Sponsored by:
8:30 am – 8:40 am
Conference Recap
9:40 am – 10:40 am - Plenary Session
8:40 am – 9:40 am - Opening Plenary Session
Key Trends and Update in Corporate Governance
Climate Change – The Next Frontier Best Practices
for Corporate Governance
Korn Ferry Hay Group works in partnership with the
Climate change is a systemic and Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC) to conduct
systematic risk with the ability to impact an annual survey on “Best Practices in Corporate
nearly every sector of the global economy. Mainstream Governance”. Companies all across Canada give
investors, lenders, insurers, rating agencies and their opinions on the evolving corporate governance
regulators are seeking enhanced climate-related landscape and its effects on the organization and
information from companies to enable the efficient executive compensation. This presentation will discuss
allocation of capital in this transition. the results from our 2018 Best Practices in Corporate
Governance Survey and interviews with the Excellence
Given the urgency of climate change issues, it is in Governance award nominees. Chris Chen will
essential that business leaders set a strong tone at the provide their insights into executive pay practices,
top on climate change action and that their boards effectively mitigating risk and succession planning and
are knowledgeable and actively engaged in creating assessments.
a strategy that addresses climate risk. Those that
incorporate climate change into strategy will be well- Speaker: Christopher Chen, National Director, Total
positioned to take advantage of new opportunities. In Rewards, Korn Ferry Hay Group
this new era of increased attention to climate change
issues, governance professionals have an opportunity to
Sponsored by:
demonstrate leadership by proactively contributing to
global best practices.
This session will provide an overview of relevant 10:40 am – 10:50 am
trends and developments related to climate change Mini Break
10 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference10:50 am – 11:50 am - Concurrent Sessions How do Boards get ahead of these trends? What
competencies do they need to build and how? What are
Track A: The Board and the Governance Professional their blind spots, and how can governance professionals
and corporate secretaries help them manage this new
Session 4A: EQ for the Governance Professional (and and rapidly emerging development in the governance
boards): How to Build Strong Relationships and be professional field?
an Influencer
This session will shed light on a roadmap for boards
The role of corporate secretary is not for the faint- and those who advise them to anticipate and build best
hearted. It is often a case of walking a thin line between practices in board oversight of corporate sustainability
management and board, liaising between them. When performance.
conflict arises it is difficult to escape the firing line.
Dealing with senior executives and highly assertive Moderator: Coro Strandberg, President, Strandberg
board directors requires tact, diplomacy and emotional Consulting
intelligence (EQ). The ability to build rapport and forge
strong relationships is essential to function effectively. Speakers: Erin Poeta, Manager, Hugessen Calgary;
Michelle de Cordova, Director, Corporate Engagement
A corporate secretary rarely has the line authority of & Public Policy, NEI Investments; Dave Mowat, retired
a CEO or COO to force change. They need to be an CEO, ATB Financial and Board Director, TELUS
influencer, a governance advisor with credibility that the
board will listen to.
Sponsored by:
This session explores attributes of the emotionally
intelligent person; the approach to being an
influencer, with particular reference to the demands of
management and the board. It will equip attendees with
the skills and attributes required to successfully navigate Track C: Key Trends in Governance
the minefield characteristic to the life of a corporate
secretary. Session 4C: Moving Workplace Sexual Harassment
up the Risk Register and Board Agenda - #Metoo
Speakers: Paul Dubal, Manager, Subsidiary and the Boardroom
Governance, BMO Financial Group; Heather Laxton,
Chief Governance Officer and Corporate Secretary, With movements such as #MeToo and #Time’sUp, we’re
Wesdome Gold Mines changing how we talk about equality, sexual assault, and
harassment in the workplace.
What does this mean for governance professionals and
Track B: Critical Issues in Governance boards? Some issues we’ll explore in this session:
• Board responsibilities for leadership in workplace
Session 4B : Putting the G into ESG: The Role of the culture
Board and Governance Professional • The board’s role in crisis response to allegations of
harassment
Social and environmental issues are increasingly • What if your board is the problem? How to deal
becoming material for boards of directors. Climate with individuals who are “untouchable”
change, the low-carbon economy transition, • Creating and communicating the right values,
demographic change, income inequality, urbanization, ethical conduct, human resources policies and
resource and water scarcity, millennial employees and creating a healthy corporate culture that respects the
consumers, and other issues are affecting the risks and rights of workers
opportunities of organizations, their supply chains and
operating environments now and in the future. Speakers: Shona McGlashan, Chief Governance
Officer, Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)
Investor, shareholder, regulator, customer, employee and Carol Liao, Assistant Professor at the Peter A. Allard
other stakeholder expectations keep rising. School of Law, UBC; Debra Brown, CEO and Founder,
Governance Solutions Inc.
11 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConferenceConference Rates
Full Conference Registration:
Partner & Not-for-Profit
GPC Member Organizations Non-Member
Early-bird Registration $1,450 $1,835 $2,040
April 17, 2018 to June 24, 2018
Regular Registration $1,595 $2,015 $2,245
June 25, 2018 and onward
Rates are quoted in Canadian dollars and do not include applicable taxes. Registration fees do not include accommodation, travel, airport
transfers or participation in the optional tours. Partner organizations include: ICSA.
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellations can be made up to July 20, 2018. All cancellations must be received by email to conference@gpcanada.org and are subject to
a $150 administration fee. No credits or refunds will be given for cancellations received after July 20, 2018. Attendee name substitutions are
allowed at any time. Please email conference@gpcanada.org with the replacement contact’s information. No liability is assumed by GPC for
changes to the program date, content, speakers, venues, or cancellation of the event. Refunds will not be issued for weather related cancellations.
Local tours and optional activities are subject to the tour providers’ cancellation policy.
12 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConferenceOptional Activities
Pre-Conference: Sunday, August 20
Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour (5.5 hours) - $168.00
Visit some of the most established vineyards on Vancouver Island on this chauffeur driven wine tour! Tour includes stops at
3 establishments including tastings at each. Enjoy lunch at a local bistro (included).
High Tea at the Empress Hotel (1.5 hours) - $110.00
A grand tradition for over a century, the world-renowned Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of
afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries alike. Reinvigorated in our timeless, sophisticated Lobby Lounge,
Tea at the Empress will continue this quintessentially Victoria experience. Includes gratuities (15%)
Guided Kayak Tour (3 hours) - $78.00
A seaside exploration of historic Victoria Harbour. Visit Seal Island at the entrance to the harbour -OR- travel up the Gorge
both options being equally exciting. On your kayak adventure, you will be greeted by harbour seals, great blue herons, and
if really, really lucky an Orca whale.
Kayak and paddling gear included | No experience necessary | Suitable for the entire family
Whale Watching Tour (3 hours) - $119.00
Your Whale Watching tour will take you through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. Everywhere you turn, the
photographic opportunities are spectacular. Keep your camera clicking as our on-board naturalist shares the ecology of the
beautiful environment that surrounds you. The 62-foot Ocean Cruiser Marauder IV is fast, quiet, stable and comfortable.
Sit inside, outside, or on the top deck with the Captain – the viewing options are all terrific! Free hot drinks and a spacious
bathroom make this 84-passenger boat suitable for all ages and abilities.
Butchart Gardens (4 hours) - $75.00
Butchart Gardens National Historic Site of Canada is an internationally-known public attraction that has been open to
visitors since 1904. It is located on the Saanich Peninsula, approximately 21 kilometers north of Victoria, British Columbia.
Whether it be the emerging leaves in the Spring, brilliant pink or white flowers of trees; the dazzling bedding plants framed
in by sweeping lawns or the treat to the nose of a waft of a thousand scents of summer, Butchart Gardens has it all!
When arriving at the Butchart Gardens you will be touring on foot, there are some stairs involved, but it is mainly
wheelchair accessible. There are restaurants and cafes available for dining inside the Gardens. Please note: The entire
property is smoke/vapour free and selfie sticks are not permitted.
Golf (7 hours) - $167
A beautiful championship course rated in the top thirty-five in Canada, amidst a dense lush North Pacific evergreen forest.
Gardens abound the challenging 18 holes with many lakes, rock outcroppings, and even a few waterfalls. Each hole has a
personality of its own, making for an exciting game that favours no specific shot, other than accuracy due to the tightness
of some of the fairways. The signature hole is the 417 yard 17th. Playing downhill from the tee, the hole descends towards
a natural waterfall that provides a dramatic backdrop. The Olympic View practice facility is the finest in Western Canada.
Its natural grass tees, chipping bunkers and five target greens make for a realistic practice environment. Length from the
Blue tees is 6530, with a slope of 133 and a rating of 72.0. This course is perfect for the golfer not minding tighter lies, and
smaller target areas, along undulating fairways. This is a must play while visiting Victoria.
Includes:
• Return Transportation to and from The Empress hotel with
driver gratuity included
• Green Fees on chosen Golf Course
• Shared Power Carts staged for the groups arrival.
• Personalized golf car plaques
• Range Balls to warm up and use of practice chipping area and
greens.
• Club Washing, Club handling from bus to power cart
• Lunch box: Choice of Chicken Bacon Club or Vegetarian
sandwich plus fruit, snack, granola bar, and juice
Photo © Bear Mountain Resort
13 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConferenceTravel and Accommodation
Where to Stay
The Fairmont Empress
Governance Professionals 721 Government Street
of Canada 2018 Conference Victoria, BC V8W 1W5
Committee
Reservations: Call 250-384-8111 and quote the group code: Governance
Brigitte Catellier Professionals of Canada. Our rooms are $50 - $250 lower than the seasonal
VP Corporate Governance average! GPC has negotiated a preferential room rate for the conference and
Meridian Credit Union encourages you to make your accommodation arrangements at the host hotel.
It is extremely convenient to be onsite, but it also ensures that GPC maintains
Glenn Keeling
its contract obligations with the hotel for overall conference and organization
Senior Partner
Global Governance Advisors
benefit. *Rates and room block are valid until July 18, 2018 after which
accommodation is based on general hotel inventory.
Cyndie Kremyr
Independent Director Room Price
Fairmont or Deluxe $229
Josee Turcotte
Senior Vice President,
Harbourview Deluxe $279
Corporate Secretary, Signature $319
Head of Governance Junior Suite $319
HSBC
One Bedroom Cityview Suite $379
One Bedroom Harbourview Suite $429
Two Bedroom Harbourview Suite $529
GPC Staff Team Vice Regal $729
Fairmont Gold - City View $319
Lynn Beauregard, Fairmont Gold - Harbourview $339
President
Fairmont Gold - Junior Suite $379
Caroline Bucksbaum, Fairmont Gold - One Bedroom Suite $479
Membership & Event Coordinator
Fairmont Gold - Two Bedroom Suite $579
Albert Orellana, *Rate does not include applicable taxes, gratuities and service fees.
Manager, Events & Special Projects
Letricia Fullerton,
Manager, Administration, Education &
How to Get There
Special Projects
The airport to arrive at is Victoria International Airport (YYJ) in Victoria,
Mable Zheng, BC. There are flights on specific days and times that fly direct to Victoria,
Accoutning & Finance however most options include a connecting flight from the Vancouver
International Airport (YVR).
Seare Araya,
IT Administrator AIR TRAVEL: Official Canadian Airline: The official GPC airline partner for
the 20th Annual Conference is WestJet. WestJet is providing 10% off Econo
and 15% off Plusbase fares* for travel between Victoria, British Columbia and
anywhere WestJet flies in North America. Travel from: August 12 – 29, 2018
Coupon Code: QJC8HWM | Promo Code: YYJ02
TRAVEL FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE VENUE: The Victoria International
Airport is approximately a 30 minute drive to The Fairmont Empress and the
Victoria Conference Centre. Estimated one-way taxi fare is CAD $55-60 &
hotel’s preferred taxi partner is Yellow Cabs. YYJ Airport shuttle drops off and
picks up at the hotel. Estimated one-way fare is CAD $25.00. If you choose to
use the shuttle, please mention the GPC conference to receive a 10% discount.
14 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConferenceThank you to our sponsors for their generous support
Official Partner of GPC
Printed Materials App Provider
Media
15 Register today at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference20th Annual Corporate Governance Conference
Fairmont Empress Hotel | Victoria BC | August 19-22, 2018
The GPC Conference is the Premier Annual
Corporate Governance Event in Canada.
GPC hosts its 20th Annual Corporate Governance Conference in August 2018. This
event brings together participants from all across Canada and is a unique opportunity
to network with clients and colleagues. It provides invaluable opportunities to exchange
ideas, discuss current challenges and share best practices. We provide relevant up-
to-date information about the changing face of corporate governance nationally and
internationally. The conference will feature three days of expert panels, workshops
and breakout sessions on top of mind issues and the evolving corporate governance
landscape in Canada and internationally.
Each year this conference attracts over 350 governance professionals from leading
Canadian corporations across all sectors and industries.
Who Should Attend: Chief Governance Officer • Three great reasons to attend:
Corporate Secretary • Corporate Counsel • Chief Officer/VP/ Gain insight on governance and risk management strategies
Director of: Corporate Affairs, Legal Services, Compliance, Risk, to better serve your board.
Sustainability, Environmental, Social and Governance, Shareholder Obtain current information & practical tools to help save you
Communications, Investor Relations • CEO • Corporate Director time and resources.
• Board/Committee Chair • Executive Director • Governance Network with your peers from across Canada.
Services, Product Providers and Consultants.
Registration now open!
Book now – the early-bird deadline is June 24!
Visit us at www.gpcanada.org/AnnualConference
and click “Register Now” to begin your registration.
Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC)
21 St. Clair Ave. E, Suite 802 • Toronto, ON M4T 1L9
1-800-774-2850 • 416-921-5449 • info@gpcanada.org • www.gpcanada.orgYou can also read
